Daijiworld Media Network
Mumbai, Nov 15: West Indies frittered away their advantage after starting well with the bat. Powell was the only batsman to offer some fightback but was a tad unlucky to get out to Ojha. His wicket initiated a West Indian collapse in the post-lunch session. Indians were brilliant with the ball, especially their spinners. Ojha led the bowling attack with a superb 5-for and he was well supported by Ashwin, who became the quickest Indian to get to 100 wickets (18 matches). At this point of time, West Indies, know they have a huge task to go on and save this match, let alone win it. They can only hope to hang back and make sure, they start the day afresh and concentrate on breaking this important stand.
Pitch Report: 'India is in a great position today. This pitch will be on its best today. It will be a little harder and might be a touch quicker. Enough in the pitch to keep the bowlers interested. There is a bit of darker colour on the grass, that indicates a bit of moisture on the surface. So that first hour, get two or three wickets. Yesterday we saw Shami and Bhuvi move the ball. Once the moisture dries up, the colour of this pitch will change,' reckon Ravi Shastri and Ian Bishop.
Ashwin: 'It's not a bad achievement (on becoming the quickest Indian to reach 100 Test wickets). It's not a good start but it's a great start. I think it's also bowling in partnerships, not just one or two is important in the team. For example, Shami did well in Kolkata and I had to aid him with some tight spells. It's important to back up. It's more about line and length for me. I've been working on my alignment at the crease with the bowling coach. Probably clap each and every ball, eventually I did that unknowingly yesterday (When asked what would you do when Sachin is batting). This morning when we were coming to the ground, a couple of people were standing on their cars and waving to Sachin, I can't imagine myself standing on a car and doing that. It was an amazing sight to watch, brings back memories of watching a cricket match at Chepauk in the 90s.'
Coming to the state of the game, India already have a stronghold. Dhoni disappointed everyone yesterday when he chose to field first. However, things couldn't have worked out better since then. Batting first, West Indies crumbled after a steady start and were bundled out for just 182. In reply, India began steadily but two quick wickets in one Shillingford over brought India's favourite son to the crease. Never before, had Indian fans prayed so diligently for the first two wickets to fall quickly. And Sachin did not disappoint. He hit some glorious vintage shots, which we have associated with him for years now. On the other end, Pujara held his ground and extended all his support to the Little Master. India, would like nothing more than these two to play the innings of their lifetime and dominate the visitors completely.
Shane Warne tweets: @warne888 #Sachin was the best batsmen I've seen. @brianlara second and outstanding too. These 2 were so much better than everybody else....
Michael Vaughan tweets: 38 no... #Sachin. #God. Alarm clock will be set.....
Stuart Broad tweets: Remarkable achievement by a legend of the sport we love. #200 #ThankYouSachin
Joe Root tweets: Sachin made his debut for India before I was born. Then played in my test debut #ThankYouSachin
Ian Bell tweets: The atmosphere in Mumbai right now must be immense!! #ThankYouSachin #LittleMaster
Dinesh Karthik tweets: Wishing Sachin paji a grt test match,will be watching it only for the legend #ThankYouSachin
Alan Wilkins tweets: This is a Test Match like no other! Let Sachin enjoy it as much as he can...this is a celebration of the greatest Cricket Career of all time.
Russel Arnold tweets: Good luck to Sachin today.... Hope he dishes out a treat for his mother!!! #IndvsWI
Rohit Sharma tweets: I can never retire from Sachin. #SRTFOREVER
Suresh Raina tweets: No matter how many times u say it, still feels less. The greatest ever. The Legend. Wonderful to say #SalaamSachin
Matthew Hayden tweets: @bhogleharsha @alanwilkins22 Sachin.....Sachin #Legend please pass on my respects during your commentary in Honour to Tendulkar #whataplayer
Mahela Jayawardena tweets: @sachin_rt Great opponent, fantastic memories..no better role model. Enjoy ur last game!